Inspect your feet daily for signs of infection: Look for warmth, swelling, pus, or unusual odor on any wounds or ulcers, Check for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or nail problems.
Wash your feet daily: Use lukewarm water and a mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Moisturize regularly: Apply lotion to your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, but avoid the area between the toes to prevent fungal growth.
Trim toenails carefully: Cut straight across to avoid ingrown nails and gently file the edges.
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes: Choose footwear that provides support and protection, with wide toe boxes to prevent pressure points.
Change socks daily: Wear clean, moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry, especially if you sweat a lot.
Use foot powder: Consider using foot powder to keep your feet dry and reduce friction.
Keep blood flowing: Elevate your feet when sitting and stretch your toes and ankles frequently to promote circulation.
Protect your feet: Always wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injury, especially outdoors.
Get regular foot exams: Schedule check-ups with a podiatrist at least once a year to catch issues early.
Monitor circulation: Check for color changes, temperature differences, or prolonged healing of wounds as signs of poor blood circulation.
Wear diabetic shoes or insoles: Use specially designed footwear to reduce pressure points and prevent ulcers if you have diabetes or neuropathy.
Maintain blood sugar control: Proper diabetes management helps prevent nerve damage and poor circulation, reducing the risk of foot complications.
Use gentle foot care tools: Use a pumice stone or soft file on calluses to prevent buildup that can lead to pressure sores.
Elevate your feet regularly: This helps to reduce swelling, especially if you have circulatory issues like peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Be cautious with warm environments: Check bathwater with your hand first and avoid heating pads to prevent burns, especially if you have neuropathy.
Seek immediate care for any non-healing wounds: Open sores, ulcers, or cuts that don’t heal within a few days should be checked immediately to prevent infection or more serious complications.
Manage other health conditions: Ensure proper treatment for related conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which affect circulation and healing.
Don’ts:
Don’t soak your feet for long periods: This can lead to dry skin and increase the risk of infection.
Don’t cut corns or calluses yourself: Leave this to a healthcare professional to avoid injury or infection.
Don’t ignore foot pain: Pain can be a sign of underlying issues that need attention.
Don’t walk barefoot: Especially outdoors or on hard surfaces, as this increases the risk of injury and infection.
Don’t wear tight shoes or socks: These can cause blisters, calluses, and reduce blood circulation.
Don’t use hot water or heating pads on your feet: If you have diabetes, you may not feel burns or heat damage.
Don’t smoke: Smoking restricts blood flow to your feet, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
Don’t ignore changes in skin or nails: Any discoloration, thickening, or changes in your nails should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Don’t use over-the-counter treatments for warts or fungal infections: These can be harsh and cause damage, especially for people with diabetes.
Don’t neglect your shoes: Regularly check the insides of your shoes for rough areas or objects that can cause irritation.
Don’t ignore numbness or tingling: These could be signs of neuropathy or nerve damage, which can lead to severe complications.
Don’t delay treating cuts or sores: Even small injuries can lead to serious infections or ulcers if left untreated, particularly in people with diabetes.
Don’t remove foreign objects from wounds yourself: If something is stuck in your foot, like a splinter or glass, seek professional help to prevent infection or deeper injury.
Don’t skip foot inspections: Missing even a day could allow a small problem like a blister or cut to worsen into a serious infection.
Don’t self-treat foot ulcers: Always consult a doctor or podiatrist for ulcers to prevent them from worsening and leading to gangrene or amputation.
Don’t let toenail problems go untreated: Ingrown toenails or fungal infections can lead to more severe infections if not managed promptly.
Don’t ignore swelling in the feet: Persistent swelling can be a sign of infection, poor circulation, or even heart or kidney issues, and should be addressed.
Don’t use tight bandages or wraps: If you need to cover a wound, make sure the bandage is loose enough to allow proper circulation and healing.
Don’t neglect your diet and lifestyle: A poor diet or smoking can worsen circulation issues, slow healing, and increase the risk of foot complications.
Don’t wait for pain as a signal: Neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, so you may not feel a wound or infection until it’s too late.
